Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Consultation Asia

What is an Impacted Tooth?A tooth becomes impacted when there is a lack of space in the dental arch and its growth and eruption are prevented by overlying gum, bone or another tooth. How Serious is an Impacted Tooth?Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection.They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots.More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows it may hollow out the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone and nerves. Rarely, if a cyst is not treated, a tumor may develop from its walls and a more serious surgical procedure may be required to remove it.Despite the considerable concern regarding impacted third molars, a recent study sponsored by the American Association of  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation finds that third molars which have broken through the tissue and erupted into the mouth in a normal, upright position may be as prone to disease as those third molars that remain impacted.

HEALTHY GUMHealthy gums are the foundation for your teeth, much like the foundation for your house. Healthy gums provide the support needed for your teeth to function as they should. Having unhealthy gums is like having termites in the foundation of your house. To the untrained eye everything seems fine, but progressive and often irreversible damage is being done.